- Promptly notify your insurance company or agent
of your loss.
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- Make a detailed list and description of damage,
including photographs if possible. Collect your canceled checks, receipts
and other documents to help the adjuster set a value on damaged or
destroyed property.
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- Review your coverage. You might not be aware,
for example, that your homeowners or renters policy pays for debris
removal and for emergency housing and living expenses if your loss forces
you to move temporarily. If you can't find your policy, ask your agent or
company for a copy.
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- Do not make permanent repairs before an
insurance adjuster inspects your home. Make only temporary repairs to
protect your home from looting or further damage. The insurance company
might deny your claim if you make permanent repairs before the adjuster
inspects the damage.
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- If possible, be present during the insurance
adjuster's inspection and take notes on the discussion. You might want
your own contractor/builder present to represent your interests.
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- Keep good notes on all contacts with your
insurance company and adjuster. Your chance of getting a satisfactory
settlement improves when you are well prepared with the facts. Write down
names, dates, and who said what. Remember, good records help your cause if
you want to complain to the Department of Insurance about an insurance
company's decision or contest it in court.
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- Don't agree to a final claim settlement until
you are satisfied that it is fair. You're entitled to obtain independent
estimates if you wish.
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- After major claims events (disasters, storms
etc), "public adjusters" offer to help victims pursue their
insurance claims -for a price. You are not required to hire a public
adjuster, but if you hire one, be sure about the fee. Usually, it's a
percentage of your claim payment.
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- Get more than one bid for construction or
repair work. Try to use a local contractor with a good reputation. Large
claims events like storms often attract fly-by-night operators who do
shoddy work or skip town after receiving advance payments.
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